The launch of ‘Drive My Future’ is set to give learner drivers increased confidence and time behind the wheel, according to its supporter The Barossa Council along with sponsors. The initiative provides assistance to Barossa’s Young people, aged 16 to 25 years, who are disadvantaged. The in-car support program matches experienced volunteer drivers with learner drivers to boost their driving hours and experience. Drive My Future co-ordinator Kathy Schilling explained that independent surveys show many young people struggle to achieve the hours required to gain their P plate licence. “Barriers include single parent working families, availability of a suitable car, young people who are primary or secondary carers or have a sibling with a disability, or who may be living independently,” Ms Shilling said. She further shared how the program gives young people access to a volunteer and a vehicle. “It’s not a replacement of a Learner Driver system; the volunteers act as a parent or care giver who would assist the learner driver gain the hours needed for their P plate licence.” “The program is based on a simple idea, yet it can make a world of difference in someone’s life.” Mayor Bob Sloane commended the program, saying it will have many positive flow-on effects for young people. “In many cases it will assist young people to gain independence or employment, participate in sport and access training opportunities,” he said. Ms Schilling added that the program was only possible because of the collaborative effort of sponsors. “We acknowledge the generosity of many organisations, businesses and community who have laid the foundation for a sustainable, long-term program that will put young people on the road to independence,” she said. Bookings open in October at a cost of $16.50 per one hour session. Eligible participants are required to participate in a road safety forum and interview, and are also offered a free car maintenance session. For information contact 0448 020 303.

Drive My Future gets on the road

At the official launch of 'Drive My Future' and handover of the new car and keys is Barossa youths Kane Hammond, 15, and Andrew Willington, 16, with supporters Barossa Council mayor Bob Sloane, Steinborner Automotive dealer principal Jarrod Steinborner and Youth Barossa committee members Amber Rushton and Kathryn Schilling.

The launch of ‘Drive My Future’ is set to give learner drivers increased confidence and time behind the wheel, according to its supporter The Barossa Council along with sponsors.

The initiative provides assistance to Barossa’s Young people, aged 16 to 25 years, who are disadvantaged.

The in-car support program matches experienced volunteer drivers with learner drivers to boost their driving hours and experience.

Drive My Future co-ordinator Kathy Schilling explained that independent surveys show many young people struggle to achieve the hours required to gain their P plate licence.

“Barriers include single parent working families, availability of a suitable car, young people who are primary or secondary carers or have a sibling with a disability, or who may be living independently,” Ms Shilling said.

She further shared how the program gives young people access to a volunteer and a vehicle.

“It’s not a replacement of a Learner Driver system; the volunteers act as a parent or care giver who would assist the learner driver gain the hours needed for their P plate licence.”

“The program is based on a simple idea, yet it can make a world of difference in someone’s life.”

Mayor Bob Sloane commended the program, saying it will have many positive flow-on effects for young people.

“In many cases it will assist young people to gain independence or employment, participate in sport and access training opportunities,” he said.

Ms Schilling added that the program was only possible because of the collaborative effort of sponsors.

“We acknowledge the generosity of many organisations, businesses and community who have laid the foundation for a sustainable, long-term program that will put young people on the road to independence,” she said.

Bookings open in October at a cost of $16.50 per one hour session.

Eligible participants are required to participate in a road safety forum and interview, and are also offered a free car maintenance session.